The Latin American Telecommunications Alliance (ALT+) began its “Webinar with Experts” series on August 12, 2025, with a presentation by Sandra Urrutia, the secretary of ICT and open government for the department of Boyacá, Colombia. Urrutia detailed initiatives focused on expanding digital infrastructure and training to rural communities.
Urrutia, formerly a minister of Information and Communications Technologies, noted a difference between her national experience and her current role. “We were accustomed to making policies at the national level, and when we return to the province, we see the world differently,” she stated.
The department’s efforts are part of the “Connecting the Unconnected from the Territories” program. The initiative aims to build digital infrastructure while simultaneously providing digital training to residents. The objective is to foster a “social fabric that guarantees that connectivity in rural areas is used for productivity,” according to Urrutia.
The program includes multiple projects to expand connectivity. A “pioneering project at the national level” is underway to install connectivity in 64 communities. The department is also working with the national government’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies on a project to install 100 community connectivity access points. An additional initiative, led by wholesale fiber optic provider Internexa (a subsidiary of Interconexión Eléctrica S.A. E.S.P. [BVC: ISA] [OTCMKTS: IESFY]), is connecting approximately 5,400 new rural households, a project expected to benefit 24,000 people. Urrutia also mentioned a project with Findeter, a Colombian state-owned development bank.
Regarding infrastructure, Urrutia reported on the work with mobile operators and mentioned a plan to build a neutral backbone network in the department. This project has received technical support from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and is seeking financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The webinar was hosted by José Otero, executive director of ALT+, who stated that the alliance’s mission is to “evangelize decision-makers about the importance of small telecommunications entities to achieve digital inclusion goals.”
ALT+ is a regional initiative that unites local and independent telecommunications operators from across Latin America. The alliance was created to strengthen its members’ influence and facilitate the exchange of experiences. The founding members include:
- Chamber of Telecommunications Cooperatives (CATEL) and the Cooperative for the Provision and Marketing of Community Broadcasting Services (COLSECOR) of Argentina.
- Association of Independent Telecommunications of Mexico (ATIM), the Mexican Association of Mobile Virtual Operators (AMOMVAC), and the National Association of Wireless Internet Providers (WISPMX) of Mexico.
- The Brazilian Association of Virtual Mobile Operators (ABRATUAL).
Sandra Urrutia at ALT+ webinar. Photo credit: Latin American Telecommunications Alliance/YouTube.
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